Both song lyrics and poetry can hit high notes with the three R’s: Rhyme, Rhythm, and Refrain. To put this into effect, consider the following tips:
- Analyze the lyrics of songs you like, focusing on their use of the three R’s.
- Also study song lyrics you don’t like, analyzing what makes them less effective.
- Revisit lyrics you’ve previously written to see if you have used the three R’s well.
- Occasionally, song lyrics hum with mystery, but, unlike poems that rely on the eye, any subtle changes of meaning can be confusing to the ear.
- If you don’t yet have a melody or tune, consider the countless songs out of copyright that can be used with a reference to the original, for example, “to the tune of ‘Amazing Grace’.”
- Keep your lyrics clear in sound and meaning.
- Make your choice of words, phrases, and refrain highly sing-able.
- Test the above by reading lyrics aloud and singing each revision to be sure nothing hinders its musicality.
- Allow variation in your use of each of the three R’s but have a good reason for deviating from what the ear normally expects to hear.
- As you consider the overall effectiveness of sound effects, let your ear be the final judge.
Mary Harwell Sayler welcomes your comments below for additional tips and helpful feedback.
Mary Harwell Sayler 